New Garage Wire survey to snapshot state of business for independent garages

Take part in this short survey to voice your views

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Garage Wire has launched a new ‘state of the aftermarket’ survey aimed at finding how business is for independent garages.

A simple structure asks garages to rate business now
compared to six months ago and to estimate how business will be six months in the
future.

The answers for range from ‘much worse’ to ‘much better’ enabling a simple average to be taken on garages’ perception of how things are now compared to previously and how optimistic they are about the future.

“The reaction of the independent aftermarket to wider economic trends has always been complex,” said managing director James Onions.

“The feeling now seems to be that consumers are nervous about the UK economy and their personal finances may be under pressure but then driving is absolutely essential for many people too.”

Historically the aftermarket has proved relatively immune to fluctuations in the economy.

Whilst downturns dramatically effect new car sales, independent garages and the wider supply chain have been seen to benefit as drivers’ hold onto cars longer, incurring more maintenance needs and turn to independents in great number to service older cars and to save money over franchised dealers.